Gadget of the Week

The Coolest Remote-Controlled Toys

A soaring copter, a glowing giant billiard ball, and race cars that make you feel as if you're on a real track.

Imagine if your old remote-controlled race car had artificial intelligence and a direct line to YouTube.That's the promise of the new generation of pricey, app-controlled toys. Our favorites are the Sphero 2.0, a robotic, glowing gyroscope ball you steer with free apps for your smartphone; the Anki Drive toy race cars; and Parrot's AR.Drone 2.0 Quadricopter.

Among this bunch, Parrot's flying machine provides the most delirious fun. The latest version includes a wide-angle HD lens and a pair of beefier 1500 mAh batteries...